TAFE Western teachers inspire Chinese delegates

TAFE Western teachers Nick Mastrangeli and Jillian Pennisi have given important Chinese delegates a unique perspective on Vocational Education and Training (VET) during a special visit to China.

The three-day VET workshop focussed on sharing information relating to current Australian VET practices and included discussion on compliance, assessment and evaluation, teacher’s qualification and industry currency, and managing educational delivery in a changing environment.

Mr Mastrangeli said: “I hope workshop participants see value in how we educate in Australia they are inspired to introduce new learnings into their delivery which could provide additional quality and efficiency to the Chinese industry and economy.”

“Feedback suggests that Australian VET, in particular TAFE Western, is leading the way in global education. From my participation in this project it appears that Australian VET policies and procedures could provide significant opportunities for China.”

Ms Pennisi added: “Adult training as we know it is a new concept for Chinese Polytechnic Colleges and our presentation gave the delegates a snapshot of how TAFE Western delivers on its key values of education and training that changes lives,” she said.

“The conference delegates came from a wide range of vocational areas and they were particularly interested in seeing how TAFE Western not only delivers our training but also the way in which we recognise the importance of engaging our students using a wide range of state-of-the-art teaching strategies.”

Mr Mastrangeli described the trip to China as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity.

“It was a brilliant experience,” he said. “It was great to showcase the high quality of TAFE Western staff, our delivery and overall VET framework to an entirely new and captivated audience.”

“This was invaluable for my professional development and I also see future opportunities that could deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries.”

Ms Pennisi added: “This visit provides a fantastic opportunity for TAFE Western to build relationships and opportunities for not only our existing and new students, but also gives our teachers professional development opportunities at an international level.”